Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Bakers join to restore "Bread Woman of New Orleans" monument

It's
only fitting that several New Orleans bakeries and confectioneries have joined
the effort to help raise funds to restore one of the city's most beloved
monuments erected to honor Margaret Haughery. The monument is believed to be
the first in the United States dedicated to a woman.

Margaret, a monument honoring the
community work of Irish born
baker Margaret Haughery is in need
of restoration and New Orleans bakeries
are answering the call.

Leading
up to Mother’s Day, May 6-12, each participating bakery or shop will create a
special cake, bread, cookie or candy and will donate a portion of the sales
from that featured item to the Monumental Task Committee, Inc. the non-profit
organization overseeing the restoration of the statue.

"Margaret
Haughery is a great example of a philanthropist that gave so freely of herself
for the good of the community," said Stan Harris, Louisiana Restaurant Association President/CEO. "Thank you to those bakeries and confectioners
that are generously giving a portion of their profits to help restore a monument
that shows the history of a baker with such heart and compassion."

Located
in an intimate park where Camp Street meets Prytania sits a statue of a woman
and child, identified by only one word “Margaret.” An Irish immigrant orphaned
at the age of 9, Margaret Haughery made a lifelong commitment to helping
orphaned children and needy women. Known as both the "Bread Woman of New Orleans"
and the "Mother of Orphans", her successful bakery allowed her to build
orphanages in New Orleans. Upon her death, she left her fortune to care for
those in need.

Shortly
after, the citizens of New Orleans raised funds to erect a fitting monument in
Margaret’s name. Today this monument is in serious disrepair, and is in need of
restoration estimated to cost $150,000.

The
Monumental Task Committee, Inc. is a local non-profit dedicated to repairing
and preserving pieces of local New Orleans history, making the city more
attractive and its history more accessible for both residents and visitors.
Their area of focus is the preservation and care of the 245+ monuments that are
located within the city. Since their inception in 1989, they have completed
many successful restoration projects. The MTC is a predominantly volunteer-run
organization, with a Board of Directors from diverse professional and
educational backgrounds, contributing decades of experience to these
preservation efforts.